Win, Place, or Show: Rating Kentucky Derby Parties at Chicago Bars

While I’m delighted to know that people outside my hometown of Louisville find the Kentucky Derby exciting enough to celebrate, even hundreds of miles away, I’m skeptical as to what outsiders think a Derby party looks like—and today’s Cinco de Mayo bashes haven’t exactly eased my anxiety. Premixed Mint Juleps? No thank you…

Roots Brings Quad City Pizza to Ukrainian Village

In 2008, Greg Mohr and his partner, Scott Weiner, tapped into Ukie Village’s love of burgers and brewskis with The Fifty/50. Now they are into a new kind of za. New to Chicago, that is. “Quad City pizza is thin but not superthin,” says Mohr. “It’s hand-thrown dough, and it’s chewy and malty. House-made sausage … Read more

Locking Horns: Bar Bar Black Sheep versus The Black Sheep

When I heard that a new spot called Bar Bar Black Sheep was opening last Saturday in Wicker Park, I knew there had to be some behind-the-scenes drama brewing. I’d been following the progress of another concept from one of our 50 Most Beautiful Chicagoans, Michael Simon, the former sommelier and general manager at Graham Elliot…